Moses Itauma is closing in on a world title opportunity as he prepares to face Jermaine Franklin. The 20-year-old heavyweight sensation enters the bout unbeaten and riding the momentum of a stunning first-round stoppage over Dillian Whyte in August. With Franklin having once pushed Whyte to a narrow decision and going the distance with Anthony Joshua, many expect him to provide the young contender with his toughest test yet.
Franklin arrives determined to derail the hype and end his reputation as a durable measuring stick. The American insists he has no intention of being a stepping stone. “I’m a fighter, I’m a warrior,” he said. “I’m a little awkward. I’m a huge danger factor. He’s going to have to work for it. I’m not them. I’m Jermaine Franklin and I’m not lying down for no one.”
Questions remain about Itauma’s ability to handle deep waters against experienced heavyweights, but the rising star believes Franklin is the perfect opponent to silence doubts. “There’s still question marks over me,” he admitted. “So, I can finally shut a few people up. It might not get there [the later rounds], and if it does, then those questions are finally answered.”
Promoter Frank Warren views the matchup as the final hurdle before Itauma is unleashed at the elite level. With Itauma already ranked No. 1 by both the WBO and WBA, No. 4 with the WBC, and No. 12 by the IBF, Warren made the stakes clear: “If he wins this, I believe he will go on to fight for a world title.”
With Oleksandr Usyk still holding the undisputed crown, a victory in Manchester could place Itauma on the doorstep of the division’s biggest nights - long before his 21st birthday.
Image Credit: Sky Sports